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Pax
Last updated Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Author: Sara Pennypacker
Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 0062377027
Grade Level: 5th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2022
Synopsis:
Pax and Peter have been inseparable ever since Peter rescued him as a kit. But one day, the unimaginable happens: Peter's dad enlists in the military and makes him return the fox to the wild.
At his grandfather's house, three hundred miles away from home, Peter knows he isn't where he should be - with Pax. He strikes out on his own despite the encroaching war, spurred by love, loyalty, and grief, to be reunited with his fox.
Meanwhile Pax, steadfastly waiting for his boy, embarks on adventures and discoveries of his own. . . .
| Note to readers: |
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Peter has been forced to set his pet fox, Pax (short for Paxton), free and move to his grandfather’s house
300 miles from his home. This book is about both Peter and Pax trying to get back to each other. The
story is told from both their points of view. A war has broken out somewhere “to the West”. There is
no specific country or region named but it does seem to be based in current times.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Peter makes a pet of a baby fox, a kit that he finds. He appears to live out in the country. Do you think
this was a good idea? Why or why not? Is this something you might do?
Here in urban areas, we don’t see many wild animals except for birds and squirrels. There are times,
however, when other, larger, wild animals are seen and reported on the news. Have you ever seen one?
What was it? Where did you see it? (READER: Suggest coyotes, snakes, raccoons, bears, and
opossums).
Vocabulary:
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anxiety: apprehension, uneasiness or nervousness; usually over an impending or anticipated situation.
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kit: a baby fox.
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muzzle: the projecting jaws and nose of an animal; the snout.
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scruff: the back of the neck, the nape. (You can pick up a small animal, like a cat, by the scruff and it will stop moving).
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inseparable: incapable of being separated. Seemingly always together.
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vulture: any of various large birds related to hawks, eagles and falcons. They feed almost entirely on carrion. (READER: If you are able, show kids a picture of a vulture on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/july-2022-amazing-animals/).
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carrion: dead or spoiling flesh of an animal. Primary diet of vultures.
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PAX: a Latin word for peace.
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peace: the absence of conflict between nations or groups of people. Can also mean the internal feeling,
“Peace of Mind” that individuals feel.
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vixen: a female fox
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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There is an on-going reference to a war that has broken out somewhere to “the West” of where this
story takes place. There is no specific reference as to where or when the actions take place; implying
that this war could break out anywhere.
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Are you aware of the war going on in Ukraine against Russia? Have you followed any of the news
coverage? Millions of Ukrainians have become refugees either in their own country or in other
countries near and far from Ukraine. There are at least 1 million children from Ukraine who are now
refugees. How does this make you feel?
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Some of you or your relatives may have come to the United States as refugees because of conflict in
your country of origin. How does the war in Ukraine and the one mentioned in our story make you feel
about your family’s history?
READER: In a discussion between Pax and an older fox named Gray, Gray explains was “war” is. Even if
you don’t get that far, you should read the passage on Page 65. (Gray … “War is a sickness …)
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Peace means not only the absence of conflict between nations and groups of people but also “Peace of
Mind”. It is a feeling of personal well-being. If there is something in a person’s past they are not proud
of or a person is angry about something or someone, peace of mind may be hard to achieve.
This book follows these themes throughout as Peter and Pax make their way back to each other.
READER: Encourage the kids to finish the book to see how Peter and Pax get back to each other and
what they each learn on the journey.
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| Craft ideas: |
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Draw some pictures of animals:
a. A pet you or someone you know has. Or one you would like.
b. A wild animal you have seen in the zoo, animal park or aquarium.
c. A wild animal seen around the city where you wouldn’t expect to see it (e.g., coyote).
d. A mythical creature (dragon or unicorn).
e. Or create your own creatures.
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Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/july-2022-amazing-animals/
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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